Near North Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4)

Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

1. Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory Marker

Inscription.
In 1889, the world's largest bicycle maker, Western Wheel Works, opened at 1350 North Wells. During this time, Dr. William Scholl rented space in the bicycle factory and began manufacturing shoes. In 1900, Western Wheel Works closed and Dr. Scholl purchased the property for his own factory. In 1981 the factory closed and the site was redeveloped into an apartment complex known as Cobbler Square. Sections of the original factory building were incorporated into the new design and courtyards were paved with 1800s Chicago alley bricks. (Marker Number 4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 41° 54.402′ N, 87° 38.067′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near North Side. Marker is at the intersection of North Wells Street and West Evergreen Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Wells Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1335 North Wells Street, Chicago IL 60610, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Businesses in Old Town (#6) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) (about

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400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Town Architecture Reflects Neighborhood History (#10) (about 400 feet away); The Churches of Old Town (#8) (about 500 feet away); Old Town and The Great Fire (#3) (about 600 feet away); Early Prominent Residents of Old Town (#2) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Town's Early Settlers (#11) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . Western Wheel Works. Chicagology website entry:

"In 1900, Western Wheel Works, a company that was selling 70,000 bikes a year in 1896, went out-of-business as bike sales declined. The huge complex was then bought by Dr. William Scholl, who parlayed a line of shoes and foot care products into a corporation grossing more than $250 million a year. Scholl rented a little space in the bike factory at first, then bought the whole complex and sporadically built several additions to it.

Dr. Scholl. however, left Chicago and relocated their headquarters to Tennessee in 1981.The complex was then converted to a modern loft community called Cobbler’s Square."

(Submitted on December 15, 2021.)

Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4) Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

2. Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4) Marker - wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.